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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my local paper about the Air Guitar World Championships, that happens every year in my hometown of Oulu, Finland. My family had volunteered at the inaugural contest back in 1996 – my mother distributed flyers, my dad managed the music. Since then, domestic competitions have been staged all across the world, with the winners gathering in Oulu each August.

At the time, I requested permission if I could enter. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be a lot of adults. They thought it might be an daunting atmosphere, but I was resolved.

In my youth, I was always performing air guitar, pretending to play to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were lovers of music – my dad loved Bruce Springsteen and the Irish rock band. the band AC/DC was the first band I found independently. the guitarist, the guitar hero, was my inspiration.

When I stepped on stage, I did my routine to AC/DC’s the song Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started shouting “Angus”, similar to the album track, and it dawned on me: this must be to be a guitar hero. I advanced to the last round, competing to crowds in the town square, and I was hooked. I got the nickname “Little Angus” that day.

After that I stopped. I was a judge one year, and started the show on another occasion, but I stayed out of the contest. I came back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I embraced it and choose “The Angus” as my artist name. I’ve qualified for the last round annually from 2022 onward, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was determined to take the title this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our guiding principle is ‘Make air, not war’. It may seem funny, but it’s a real philosophy.

The contest is intense but joyful. Contestants have a short window to put their all – high-powered performance, perfect mime, rock star charisma – on an nonexistent axe. The panel score you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. When it's a draw, there’s an “showdown” between the final two contestants: a track is selected and you freestyle.

Preparation is everything. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my performance. I played it repeatedly for multiple weeks. I did regular stretches, trying to get my limbs loose enough to jump, my digits nimble enough to imitate guitar parts and my upper body ready for those moves and leaps. When competition day arrived, I could feel the song in my bones.

Once all acts were done, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was time for an final showdown. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the iconic band. Once the track began, I felt relieved because it was one that I knew, and more than anything I was so eager to have another go. As they declared I’d won, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I zoned out from shock. Then the crowd started singing the song the anthem Rockin' in the Free World and hoisted me on to their arms. One of the greats – AKA his performer title – a previous titleholder and one of my closest friends, was holding me. I shed tears. I was the first Finnish air guitar global winner in a quarter-century. The previous Finnish champion, the former champion, was there, too. He offered me the most heartfelt squeeze and said it was “long overdue”.

This worldwide group is like a support system. Our motto is “Create music, not conflict”. It may seem humorous, but it’s a genuine belief. Competitors come from globally, and everyone is helpful and motivating. As you prepare to compete, each contestant shows support. Then for one minute you’re allowed to be yourself, playful, the top performer in the world.

Besides that, I'm a drummer and string player in a group with my brother called the band name, inspired by Gareth Southgate, as we’re fans of Britpop and new wave. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I create independent videos and music videos. The title hasn’t affected my daily activities significantly but I’ve been doing a extensive media, and I wish it brings more creative work. The city will be a cultural hub soon, so there are promising opportunities.

For now, I’m just appreciative: for the network, for the chance to perform, and for that young child who read an article and thought, “That's for me.”